REUVEN ISRAEL

Shulamit Nazarian AS ABOVE, SO BELOW Consisting of simple, graphic shapes, the minimal sculptures of Israel-born, Brooklyn-based artist Reuven Israel accommodate rich references and layered associations. In an exhibition titled “As Above, So Below,” Israel’s latest works, shown at Shulamit Nazarian gallery, resemble totem poles, each comprised of a geometric base that anchors a skyward-pointing rod. The title also references the mystical belief that Jerusalem was created as a mirror image of its heavenly counterpart. Amusing and colorful, the sculptures possess an unexpected art historical rigor. At first glance, the slick, seamless finishes of Israel’s creations resemble plastic or steel. In a manner that would have pleased Minimalist sculptor Donald Judd, Israel’s materials convincingly look like machine-manufactured adornments. However, aside from the copper-coated steel rods in his creations, the pieces…